Hello, On this 232P, there’s this T thread piping leading out from the Transmission Box. Is that just a hole to pour oil into the unit?? If so, why a T shape? Right now, according to the gauge (photos at the end) appears empty. The manual says it should be filled 1/2 up the gauge […]
MoreSetting Impresion Bearings
Hello All, I’m having a grand old time trying to set the bearings on my Challenge 15mp and it’s been over two weeks of adjusting, proofing and re-adjusting. The main issue I’m finding is that my carriage shifts once the rear impression bearing comes in contact with the rail, causing the rollers to rise and […]
MoreCHALLENGE 21MP
Hi All, I am helping to restore her Challenge 21MP. It seems the inking rollers and assembly are missing. Maybe dutifully taken off the press after printing and forgotten about. The cores and rubber are not as much of a problem to replace as the gear and other metal parts that attach to the rollers. […]
MoreUniversal III (hand) carriage question
Greetings! I have recently made a purchase of a Universal III press and am currently ironing out shipping. The sole wrinkle in getting this press into my studio is that the carriage is too wide for a few interior doors (this is a old home) by three inches. My two options are to keep said […]
MoreThis is not a lollipop
A vintage roller setting gauge is being offered on ebay. I do not recommend bidding on it for two reasons: 1) a used gauge will most likely have a flat spot and so is no longer .918″ high and would therefore provide a false reading as to correct roller height; 2) at $39.95 the price […]
MoreUneven cylinder, SP-20
Hi all, So, the small spring on the far side of the bottom cylinder of my SP-20 broke the other day (the one next to the chain). I replaced it, but I’m still having the same issue of the cylinder being too low on that side. It’s not inking at all, and the chain is […]
MoreAnimated Type! Call for Entries
Vandercook Composing Room Cylinder Info
Hello, My name is Bree and I have been given the task to restore the letterpress at Grand Valley State University. I believe we have a #17 Composing Room Cylindrer however I cannot find any information on this press. I am wondering if anyone can direct me to instructions or any information regarding this letterpress, […]
MoreRoad Trip
I’m planning to drive to the Ladies of Letterpress conference in Mt Pleasant IA in June 27-29. My route will put me on I-55 from Jackson MS through Memphis and near St Louis. If anyone is interested in my making a Vandercook service call along the way, send me a message via the contact page.
MoreUniversal III Power carriage drive motor/gearbox
Hello I’m the new owner of a Universal III P which arrived less the carriage drive motor/gearbox/clutch assembly. I have a very good machinist/electrician who has suggested he could adapt a small variable speed motor gearbox combination to fit. Trouble is he has no idea about motor hp, gear ratios, whether the motor would have […]
MoreA Nice Bit of Provenance
Last weekend I did three workshops for Slugfest Printmaking Workshop in Austin, Texas (a great book arts town). This came about because I facilitated their recent purchase of the SP20 for sale by Henry Morris of Bird & Bull Press. One of the principals, Tom Druecker, showed me Henry’s wonderful note about the press that is […]
MoreVandercook manual
Good morning, I am binder in France and last week I bought this vandercook press. I do not find informations on this model so I therefore need of your help a lot. Thank you
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